Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time
Summary
This course offers a preparation for a career in the Uniformed Services such as the Police, fire service, security, prison services or the armed services. It also provides the qualifications required to progress onto a higher level of study at Level 3.
You will gain an insight into the various careers within the Uniformed Services, what they involve and personal qualities required so that you will be able to make a good choice for your next step. We have close links with Norfolk Constabulary, Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service, Armed Forces and other public sector organisations and the course includes regular visits, guest speakers and an annual Public Services careers fair.
You will also have the opportunity to take part in residential trips and development days with the Armed Forces involving field craft (the skill to move undetected), assault courses, team activities, workshops and talks to give you a good understanding of the various job roles and fitness levels required.
Course units may include:
- Investigate employment in the uniformed services
- Physical fitness for the uniformed services
- Develop team working and problem solving skills
- Health and safety in the uniformed services
- Health and hygiene in the uniformed services
- Follow uniformed service routine
- Exploring equality and diversity for the uniformed services
- Carry out map reading and navigation
- Undertake adventurous activities
Personal development is also an important aspect of the course to improve your self-confidence. You will develop a range of essential skills in communication, team work, leadership skills, problem solving and presentation skills that are transferable across a wide range of career choices.
This course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, workshops, tutorials, practical activities, outside visits and visiting specialist speakers from the public services. There is approximately 30% practical activity and 70% classroom based work.
Why Our College?
Strong industry links
You will gain an outstanding insight into the industry due to our links with the Police Force, Fire Service, Military, Prison Service and other public sector organisations.
Excellent career prospects
The public services sector offers lots of varied and rewarding careers. The armed forces and security services accept over 11,000 new recruits each year and are often among the top graduate employers.
A life changing career
Public services careers make a real difference to be peoples lives, keeping the public safe.
Entry Requirements
Achieve 4 GCSE's at grade 3 or above, including English Language and maths.
You should be prepared to participate in the physical and practical elements of the course which may include warm up activities, team sports, adventurous activities and fitness assessments.
Assessment
You will be assessed through a variety of methods for internally assessed mandatory and optional units. Assessment methods could include assignments, research projects, presentations, role plays, group discussions and participation in team activities.
Progression
On successful completion of this course at Merit or above, with grade 4 or above in English Language and maths and with a good reference, students can go on to study the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Uniformed Services. Alternatively you may seek employment or a relevant apprenticeship.
Career Progression
The Uniformed Services mainly involve working for the Police, Fire and Rescue services, prison service as well as the Armed Forces. All of these careers are in the public sector, which is also includes jobs in the courts, local councils, schools and national government.
In many jobs in the public sector, you can make a positive impact on society and your local community. Providing you meet their entry requirements, some of which have age restrictions, you can enter employment with the Public Services sector after completing this course.
For further information on specific job profiles please check the National Careers Service website for;
- Police Officer
- Army Solider Officer
- Firefighter
- Prison Officer
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over fees may be payable.
All of our Uniformed Services student wear a uniform which costs approximately £100. This academic year, our students are taking part in NCS and we hope to be able to offer this again next academic year (September 2025) to support students in meeting some of their core criteria for their qualification. The cost for this residential is currently £95. If we do not do NCS, students will still be involved in a residential to meet core criteria and we will aim to keep the cost under £95. There may be other opportunities throughout the academic year that may have a cost attached to them, but these will be optional. Financial support may be available depending on your circumstances.
Please check our Finance pages for fee information and any financial help that may be available.
